Contradiction with John 3:13
Describes that no man has ascended to heaven, whereas Psalms 68:18 speaks of ascending on high.
John 3:13: And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven.
Contradiction with Ephesians 4:9
Suggests a descent before ascent, not mentioned in Psalms 68:18.
Ephesians 4:9: (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Contradiction with 1 Corinthians 15:50
States that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, whereas Psalms 68:18 implies a triumphant ascension.
1 Corinthians 15:50: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Paradox #1
The contradiction some people point out is that Psalms 68:18 talks about someone ascending and receiving gifts from people, which seems different from the New Testament in Ephesians 4:8. In Ephesians, it talks about ascending and giving gifts to people. The inconsistency is about whether gifts are being received or given.
Paradox #2
Psalms 68:18 speaks of receiving gifts from people, even rebels. The contradiction might be seen in accepting gifts from those who are opposed to or have defied God's ways, which could seem inconsistent with upholding divine standards. It raises questions about the alignment of accepting gifts with moral purity.